In this episode, I speak with Kristian Smith, a fifth-generation Baptist preacher doing groundbreaking work at the intersection of Black church traditions and progressive theology. While many white religious deconstruction journeys (including my own) focus primarily on intellectual and theological questions, Kristian explains how Black church deconstruction involves much deeper communal and embodied dimensions. The Black church has historically served as more than just a religious institution—it's been the heart of Black community life and one of the few spaces where Black Americans could gather with true autonomy. Kristian offers a fascinating framework that separates spirituality from theology, arguing that while Black church spirituality (including its emotional expressiveness, music, and communal experience) has direct links to African spiritual traditions, its theology was largely borrowed from white evangelicalism. His work focuses on preserving these life-giving cultural and spiritual elements while developing new theological frameworks that better serve people's full humanity. Our conversation opened my eyes to the unique dynamics within Black Christian communities and the diverse ways people experience faith transitions, particularly when religious identity is deeply intertwined with cultural preservation and community belonging.
Kristian's Instagram | @kristiansmith
Kristian's Podcast | Holy Smokes: Cigars and Spirituality
Highlights
09:05 The Emotional Weight of Leaving the Black Church
18:06 The Disconnect Between Black and White Deconstruction Spaces
30:00 Progressive Theology and the Black Church
44:56 The Vision for a Progressive Black Church
52:36 Navigating Leadership Dynamics in Multicultural Spaces
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Edited by Josh Gilbert (joshgilbertmedia.com -- he is accepting more work!)
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